National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the paralegal profession in the United States. Established in 1974, it was the first national paralegal association, founded to address the growing need for professional standards and representation within the paralegal community.

Purpose and Goals

NFPA focuses on advancing the paralegal profession through leadership, professional development, and advocacy. It aims to enhance the role of paralegals in providing legal services, particularly in bridging the access to justice gap. NFPA supports the expansion of paralegal responsibilities in certain contexts, ensuring that qualified paraprofessionals can offer affordable legal assistance to those who need it most[4].

Activities and Achievements

NFPA engages in various activities, including:

• Position Statements: It issues position statements on significant issues affecting paralegals, such as non-lawyer practice and certification. For instance, NFPA's Position Statement on Non-Lawyer Legal Professionals supports legislation allowing paraprofessionals to deliver limited legal services directly to the public, under specific conditions[4].

• Professional Development: NFPA creates resources and offers support for paralegal education and professional growth. This includes scholarships and certifications like the PACE (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam) program[5].

• Legislative Involvement: NFPA participates in legislative discussions, advocating for policies that enhance the paralegal role and improve access to justice.

Structure and Membership

NFPA is an issues-driven organization, directed by its membership, which comprises nearly 50 paralegal associations across the U.S., representing over 8,000 individual members[4]. This structure allows NFPA to maintain a strong voice in national paralegal issues while supporting local associations.

Scholarships and Education

NFPA offers scholarships to support the education and professional development of paralegals, including the NFPA/PACE Scholarships and the NFPA and Thomson West Scholarships. These programs aim to promote paralegal studies globally and encourage leadership in the legal community[5].

Historical Milestones

• Founding: NFPA was established in 1974 by representatives from several paralegal associations to address national issues affecting paralegals[2].

• Growth and Recognition: By the mid-1980s, NFPA had gained significant recognition, participating in ABA-related activities and establishing its pro bono committee[2].

Impact on the Paralegal Profession

NFPA has played a pivotal role in defining paralegal roles, advocating for certification, and expanding professional responsibilities. It continues to be a leader in promoting the paralegal profession and enhancing access to legal services[4].